Systems and methods for preloading a bearing

ABSTRACT

A tool for use in preloading a bearing includes a plurality of arms pivotable relative to each other and a pin extending from each arm of a plurality of arms. The pin is configured to engage an opening of a plurality of openings in a retaining ring. A resilient member biases the plurality of arms away from each other. A first arm of the plurality of arms includes a cavity. A second arm of the plurality of arms is received in the cavity such that an extending portion of the second arm extends outside the cavity and the second arm is moveable in the cavity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 15/071,584 filed onMar. 16, 2016, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing”,(Attorney Docket No. 0545.106), the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 12/492,826 filed on Jun.26, 2009, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing andAligning a Lock Nut”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530 issued on Nov. 27,2012 (Attorney Docket No. 0545.057), the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 13/683,571, filed on Nov.21, 2012, entitled “Methods for Preloading a Bearing and Aligning a LockNut”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,650,757 issued on Feb. 18, 2014 (AttorneyDocket No. 0545.057A), the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 14/160,045, filed on Jan.21, 2015, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing andAligning a Lock Nut”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,904,646 issued on Dec. 9,2014, (Attorney Docket No. 0545.057B), the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/341,948,filed Jan. 27, 2006, and titled “Method and Apparatus for Preloading aBearing”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,135 on Jul. 14, 2009 (AttorneyDocket No. 0545.049), the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/354,513,filed Feb. 15, 2006, and titled “Method, Apparatus, and Nut forPreloading a Bearing”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579 on Jun. 24,2008 (Attorney Docket No. 0545.051), the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 12/033,548, filed on Feb.19, 2008, entitled “Axle Nut”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,961,090 issued onFeb. 24, 2015, (Attorney Docket No. 0545.051A), the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 12/492,926, filed Jun.26, 2009, entitled “Methods for Preloading a Bearing”, now U.S. Pat. No.8,359,733 issued on Jan. 29, 2013, (Attorney Docket No. 0545.051B), theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 14/305,830, filed Jun.16, 2014, entitled “Lock Nut System”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,200,673 issuedon Dec. 1, 2015, (Attorney Docket No. 0545.051C), the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 14/305,673, filed Jun.16, 2014, entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Nut for Preloading aBearing”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,200,672 issued on Dec. 1, 2015, (AttorneyDocket No. 0545.051D), the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 14/814,086, filed Jul.30, 2015, entitled “Apparatus for Preloading a Bearing”, published asU.S. Publication No. US-2015-0336226 A1, on Nov. 26, 2015, (AttorneyDocket No. 0545.051E), the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 14/852,100, filed Sep.11, 2015, entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Nut for Bearing”, publishedas U.S. Publication No. US-2016-0053806 A1 on Feb. 25, 2016 (AttorneyDocket No. 0545.051F), the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 14/952,663, filed Nov.25, 20156, entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Nut for Preloading aBearing”, published as U.S. Publication No. US 2016-0084316 A1 on Mar.24, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. 0545.051G), the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to U.S. Ser. No. ______, filed on______, entitled “Apparatus for Preloading a Bearing”, (Attorney DocketNo. 0545.051H), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated byreference);

This application is also related to U.S. Ser. No. 14/533,143, filed onAug. 8, 2014, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing andAligning A Lock Nut”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,217,461 issued on Dec. 22,2015, (Attorney Docket No. 0545.092A), the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference);

This application is also related to U.S. Ser. No. 14/946,168, filed onNov. 19, 2015, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearingand Aligning A Lock Nut”, published as U.S. Publication No. US2016/0076580 A1 on Mar. 17, 2016, (Attorney Docket No. 0545.092B), theentire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference);

This application is also related to U.S. Ser. No. ______, filed on______, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing andAligning a Lock Nut”, (Attorney Docket No. 0545.092C), the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference);

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 15/071,570, filed on Mar.16, 2016, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing andAligning a Lock Nut” (Attorney Docket No. 0545.105), the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to U.S. Design application No.29/558,261, entitled “Retaining Ring Pliers”, (Attorney Docket No.0545.106A), filed on Mar. 16, 2016, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application also relates to U.S. Ser. No. 15/071,753, filed on Mar.16, 2016, entitled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing”(Attorney Docket No. 0545.107), the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, generally, to methods and apparatus forpreloading antifriction bearings in drive trains, particularly, topreloading and adjusting bearings while monitoring the preload beingapplied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various means have been devised to simplify the adjustment of axlebearings, specifically, truck axle bearings. It is generally acceptedthat in some bearing installations, for example, axle bearings, the lifeof the bearing will be optimized if the adjustment is made for a slightaxial compressive deflection, for example, about 0.003 inches (wherethis amount is the compressive deflection of the two bearings combined),which is often referred to as “a three thousandths preload.” Typicalprior art methods of creating these preloads are obtained by applyingspecified torques to the bearing assembly, for example, by tighteningthe nut that retains the bearings. However, for several reasons, it istypically extremely difficult to achieve such preload settings underactual in-field conditions, such as in a mechanic shop. For example, theassembly of a heavy truck wheel onto a wheel hub assembly is arelatively cumbersome procedure that hinders the mechanic. Moreover, thewheel hub assembly always includes at least one inner seal, usually alip type of seal, which can impose a resistive drag torque component tothe preload torque, particularly when the seal is new.

Lock nut systems are often utilized to retain a wheel or hub assembly,including axle bearings, on a shaft. Such lock nut systems may beconnected to a shaft and inhibit rotation of a retaining nut relative tosuch shafts. For example, such systems are often utilized on motorvehicles, such as axles and wheel ends. Typically, a lock nut will beengageable with a locking member or keeper which inhibits movement ofthe nut relative to the shaft. The locking member may include aprotruding portion which extends into a slot or receiving portion of ashaft. The locking member may also engage the nut such that there islittle or no movement between the nut and shaft. Insertion andengagement of the locking member and the nut may be limited by the toolsused for such manipulation. Often the locking member is engaged using apair of general use pliers that is not adapted to perform the task ofengaging the locking member and nut.

Thus, a need exists for providing accurate and repeatable procedures anddevices for providing and adjusting bearing preload and for adjustinglock nut systems configured to retain preloaded bearings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present provides, in a first aspect, a tool for use in preloading abearing which includes a plurality of arms pivotable relative to eachother and a pin extending from each arm of a plurality of arms. The pinis configured to engage an opening of a plurality of openings in aretaining ring. A resilient member biases the plurality of arms awayfrom each other. A first arm of the plurality of arms includes a cavity.A second arm of the plurality of arms is received in the cavity suchthat an extending portion of the second arm extends outside the cavityand the second arm is moveable in the cavity.

The present invention provides, in a second aspect, a lock nut systemwhich includes a nut and a keeper engageable with the nut to inhibitmovement of the keeper relative to the nut. The keeper has a radiallyinner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movementof the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and theradially inner side engages the shaft. A keeper retaining member issecured to the keeper and the retaining member is engageable with thenut to hold the keeper axially such that the keeper is engaged with thenut. A retaining member tool has a plurality of arms pivotable relativeto each other. A pin extends from each arm of the plurality of arms andthe pin is configured to engage an opening of a plurality of openings inthe retaining member. A first arm of the plurality of arms includes acavity. A second arm of the plurality of arms is received in the cavitysuch that an extending portion of the second portion extends outside thecavity and the second arm is moveable in the cavity.

The present invention provides, in a third aspect, a method for use inproviding a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft which includes engaginga lock nut on a shaft at a desired preload of a bearing mounted on theshaft. A keeper is engaged with the nut to inhibit movement of thekeeper relative to the nut. A first pin of a first arm of a retainingmember tool is engaged with a first tool receiving opening of aretaining member connected to the keeper. A second pin of a second armof the retaining member tool is engaged with a second tool receivingopening of the retaining member. The first arm is moved toward thesecond arm to deform the retaining member such that opposite member armsof the retaining member moved toward each other and the second arm isreceived in a cavity of the first arm such that an extending portion ofthe second arm extends outside the cavity and the second arm moveswithin the cavity. The retaining member connected to the keeper isengaged with the nut to hold the keeper axially such that the keeper isengaged with the nut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention will be readily understood from thefollowing detailed description of aspects of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a right side elevation view, partially in cross section, ofwheel hub assembly engaging a bearing preload apparatus according to oneaspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a close up view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, partially in cross section of a portion ofthe assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 withportions of the wheel hub assembly removed;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a lock nut system which includes a locknut having a keeper and a keeper retaining member engaged with the nutaccording to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the keeper retaining member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a tool for manipulating theretaining member of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 7, with an armpartially received in a cavity of the tool; and

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principals of the present invention, system andmethods for adjusting bearings mounted on a shaft and aligning lock nutsfor retaining such bearings are provided.

In an exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, a wheel hub assembly10 engages a bearing preload apparatus 20. Some of a section of thehardware has been removed to reveal inner structure to facilitatedisclosure of the invention. For the sake of illustration, the wheelassembly that would typically be mounted to wheel hub assembly 10 isomitted in these figures.

Wheel hub assembly 10 is an assembly that would typically be found on afront or rear axle of a cab or tractor of a tractor-trailer, or an axleof a trailer. However, aspects of the invention are not limited to usefor vehicle bearings. As will generally be understood by those skilledin the art, aspects of the invention may be used to service bearings andbearing assemblies in any machine or device that employs bearings,including, but not limited to: power trains, transmissions, machinecomponents, on and off-road vehicles, aircraft wheels, marine drives,spacecraft, conveyor rolls, and windmills, among others. According toaspects of the present invention, preload apparatus 20 may be used inthese and any other assembly for which bearing preload and/or endplay isdesired, for example, any assembly that utilizes thrust and radial loadcarrying bearings that are indirectly mounted.

As shown in FIG. 1-4, for example, wheel hub assembly 10 includes awheel hub or, simply, a hub 12, a threaded shaft, axle, or spindle 14.As is typical, spindle 14 is mounted on two antifriction bearings andspindle 14 includes an exposed end 13, which is typically threaded.Spindle 14 typically includes a retaining nut 11 threaded to exposed end13.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, as is typical of bearings, an outboard bearing 16includes an inner race (or cone) 15, an outer race (or cup) 17, aplurality of rollers 22, and a roller cage. Similarly, an inboardbearing 18 includes an inner race (or cone) 19, an outer race (or cup)21, a plurality of rollers 26, and roller cage. As shown in FIG. 2,outboard bearing 16 is positioned, for example, by an interference fit,into an annular cavity 29. The details of an inboard bearing and anoutboard bearing are described and depicted in co-owned U.S. Pat. No.7,303,367, issued Dec. 4, 2007 (application Ser. No. 11/029,531 filedJan. 5, 2005), entitled “Lock Nut System”; U.S. Publication No.2007/0177829A1, published Aug. 2, 2007, (application Ser. No. 11/341,948filed Jan. 27, 2006), entitled “Method and Apparatus for Preloading aBearing”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579, issued Jun. 24, 2008 (applicationSer. No. 11/354,513, filed Feb. 15, 2006), entitled “Method, Apparatus,and Nut for Preloading a Bearing”, the entirety of which areincorporated herein by reference.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-6, for example, retaining nut 11 may be a lockingnut as disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,367 (application Ser.No. 11/029,531 filed Jan. 5, 2005), entitled “Lock Nut System”; U.S.Publication No. 2007/0177829A1 (application Ser. No. 11/341,948 filedJan. 27, 2006), entitled “Method and Apparatus for Preloading aBearing”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579 (application Ser. No. 11/354,513,filed Feb. 15, 2006), entitled “Method, Apparatus, and Nut forPreloading a Bearing”. In the conventional art, retaining nut 11typically is used to secure a wheel (not shown) or hub assembly to anon-rotating axle or spindle 14. However, in aspects of the presentinvention, retaining nut 11 may be useful in varying the preload and/orendplay of bearing 16. Though bearing 16 is illustrated as a taperedroller bearing, aspects of the invention may be applied to other typesof antifriction bearings for which it is desirable to provide preloadand/or endplay, for example, spherical roller bearings, deep groove ballbearings, and the like.

As depicted in FIGS. 5-6, a keeper 530 is engageable with retaining nut11 and is connected to a keeper retaining member 540. A projection 535of keeper 530 extends through an opening 545 in retaining member 540when connected. Projection 535 extends substantially perpendicular to aplane of retaining member 540. Projection 535 may be deformed bypressure applied on a top thereof (i.e. in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of retaining member 540) to connect retainingmember 540 with keeper 530 similar to the way a rivet is utilized, aswill be understood by those skilled in the art. Keeper 530 and retainingmember 540 engage retaining nut 11. For example, keeper 530 includeskeeper teeth 520 which are configured to engage engaging teeth 511 ofretaining nut 11. Keeper 530 may also include an engaging member 534which protrudes radially inwardly relative to retaining nut 11 to engagea shaft slot 5 (FIGS. 4-5), keyway, groove or other engaging portion ofa shaft (e.g., spindle 14). Thus, engaging member 534 may inhibitmovement of keeper 530 relative to a shaft (e.g., spindle 14) and theengagement of engaging teeth 511 with keeper teeth 520 may inhibitmovement of keeper 530 relative to retaining nut 11. Accordingly,movement of retaining nut 11 relative to the shaft is prevented orreduced. Keeper 530 and/or nut 11 may be molded or formed of powderedmetal, for example.

Keeper retaining member 540 may engage a slot 561 of retaining nut 11.For example, a first leg 542 and a second leg 543 may be received inslot 561. For example, slot 561 may have a radial depth of about 0.050inches. Further, a nose 544 of retaining member 540 may be received inslot 561. Retaining member 540 when received in slot 561 may alignkeeper 530 such that keeper teeth 532 are engaged with engaging teeth511. Further, retaining member 540 provides resistance in an axialdirection relative to retaining nut 11 thereby inhibiting movement ofkeeper 530 axially away from a shoulder 524 toward an outer surface 522.

Retaining member 540 may be elastically deformable to allow it to bereceived in slot 561. For example, first leg 542 and second leg 543 maybe deformed (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to theaxis of retaining nut 11) toward one another prior to being insertedaxially past outer surface 522 of retaining nut 11 to allow retainingmember 540, and keeper 530 to be attached thereto. First leg 542 andsecond leg 543 may then be elastically returned toward slot 561. Firstleg 542 may also include a gripping member 568 and second leg 543 mayinclude a second gripping member 569. The gripping members aresubstantially parallel to one another and are aligned at about 90degrees from a plane of retaining member 540. A user may move the legs(i.e., first leg 542 and second leg 543) toward one another as describedabove to allow the retaining member to be received in slot 561. In oneexample, a user may use a tool (e.g., a type of pliers, such as needlenose pliers) which is inserted into openings 611 and 612 (FIGS. 5-6) ofretaining member 540 to allow the tool to grip the legs thereof to moveends 610 toward one another thereby allowing the legs to be insertedinto slot 561.

In another example, a tool 700 may include a first arm 710 having a pin715 extending from a bottom end 717 with pin 715 being configured (e.g.,shaped and dimensioned) for engaging openings 611 and 612 (FIGS. 5-6) asdescribed above. A second arm 720 may have a second pin 725 extendingfrom a bottom end 722 of arm 720 and which may be configured (e.g.,shaped and dimensioned) for engaging openings 611 and 612 (FIGS. 5-6).

First arm 710 may include a cavity 730 configured to receive second arm720 such that a portion of second arm projects out of the cavity. Inparticular a second outer side 740 may be furthest away from cavity 730while a second inner side 745 may be completely or partially received incavity 730.

As depicted in FIGS. 7-12, first arm 710 may include a first outer side750. Tool 700 may be gripped such that a palm portion and/or thumb of auser's hand may contact second outer side 740 while the fingers contactfirst outer surface 750. Second outer side may also include an archedsurface 800 extending from top end 770 toward bottom end 722. Firstouter surface 750 may also include a curved surface but with less of anarc than second outer side 740 as depicted for example in FIG. 13.

First arm 710 and second arm 720 may be connected to each other suchthat a user my squeeze the arms toward one another resulting in secondarm 720 being received or moving further into cavity 730 of first arm710 as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. For example, first arm 710 andsecond arm 720 may be pivotally connected to each other at a top end770. A pin 771 may be connected to (and located between interiorsurfaces of) both arms to allow a movable connection between them suchthat end bottom end 717 and bottom end 722 may be moved relative to eachother while first arm 710 and second arm 720 remain connected to eachother at top end 770. In another example first arm 710 and second arm720 may be connected to each other via other movable connections toallow such movement between the arms while being connected to each otherat one end of such arms.

A spring or other resilient member 775 may bias first arm 710 and secondarm 720 away from each other such that second arm 720 projects out ofcavity 730 as depicted for example in FIG. 8. A first end 777 of spring775 may be received in a cavity 779 of inner surface 712 of first arm710 while a second end 776 of spring 775 may be connected to and/orcontacting a bottom surface of second arm 720.

As indicated above, the user may squeeze first arm 710 and second arm720 toward each other such that second arm 720 retreats into cavity 730and pin 715 and pin 725 move toward each other. The movement of the pinswhen received in openings 611 and 612 (FIGS. 5-6) allow the tool to movelegs (i.e., first leg 542 and second leg 543) of retaining member 540toward one another thereby allowing the legs to be inserted into slot561 of nut 11.

Also, first leg 542 may include a protruding portion 560 which protrudesradially relative to a rounded portion 565 of retaining member 540.Similarly, second leg 543 may include a protruding portion 562.Protruding portion 560 and protruding portion 565 may extend into slot561 to engage retaining member 540 with slot 561. Further, protrudingportion 560 may include a groove 566 and protruding portion 562 mayinclude a groove 567. For example, retaining member 540 may be formed ofstamped sheet metal, and may have a thickness in a range between0.040-0.050 inches, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.Alternatively, retaining member 540 could be formed of other materials(e.g., powdered metal) and/or formed in other shapes to allow retainingmember 540 to be received in slot 561 and to be connected to keeper 540via projection 535. Further, keeper 530 may be formed or molded ofpowdered metal, for example. Alternatively, keeper 530 and retainingmember 540 could be formed integral or monolithic relative to oneanother.

Further, keeper 530 and/or nut 11 may be fabricated from any one or moreof the structural metals, for example, carbon steel or stainless steel.Nut 11 may be fabricated by machining from a billet or plate, by forgingor casting and then finished machining, or fabricated by conventionalpowder metallurgy techniques. In one aspect, when formed by powdermetallurgy, the material may be FC 0208, or its equivalent. Nut 11 mayalso be surface hardened for example, induction hardened, carburized, ornitrided, among other surface hardening methods; in one aspect, theexposed surfaces on end 241 of nut 220 may be hardened, for example,induction hardened.

Returning to FIGS. 1-5, preload apparatus 20 includes an attachingmechanism, such as a shaft or rod 40 engageable with spindle 14 by acollar 46, and a press mechanism 44 for providing a compressive load tobearing 16. In addition, aspects of the invention provide means formonitoring the preload on the bearings to, for example, ensure that thedesired preload is provided, in contrast to the unreliable and ofteninaccurate assumed preloading of the prior art.

Rod 40 may be configured to attach to exposed end 13 of shaft 14, forexample, by collar 46, though other attachment means may be used. Pressmechanism 44 may include an adjustment handle 50 which may be connectedto rod 40 to facilitate rotation of rod 40 and/or collar 46 to connectpress mechanism 44 to shaft 14. Such connection may also be performed bya servo motor or other mechanism for rotating rod 40 and/or collar 46 toconnect press mechanism 44 to shaft 14.

Press mechanism 44 may provide a compression force via a nut asdescribed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,520 relative to a nut 48depicted therein or via a hydraulic, pneumatic or other means ofproviding such a force.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4, press mechanism 44 includes loading arms 210. Acompressive load from press mechanism is transmitted to bearing 16, andto bearing 18, by loading arms 210. Further, loading arms 210 work inconjunction with retaining nut 11 to provide a load to outboard bearing16 (e.g., an inner race 15 thereof). Retaining nut 11 may have a recessthat exposes the surface of inner race 15 and permits contact by, forexample, loading arms 210. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 1-4, nut 11may have a bottom curve or recessed portion 111 such that a bottom endof nut 11 has a smaller diameter than the remainder thereof. Loadingarms 210 may thus transmit the compressive load from press mechanism 44(i.e., around nut 11) to bearing 16. In an unillustrated example,bearing 16 could be exposed thereby allowing press mechanism 44 to beused with a conventional axle nut, as shown for example in FIG. 3 ofco-owned application U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579. However, when bearing 16would be concealed by such a conventional axle nut, retaining nut 11 maybe used instead thereof according to aspects of the invention.

As depicted in FIGS. 3-4, for example, loading arms 210 extend from abase 400 and include a first arm 212 and a second arm 213. In thisaspect of the invention, arms 210 are adapted to transmit a load frompress mechanism 44 to the bearing 16. In one aspect, arms 210 may bemoveable or deflectable to facilitate assembly of arms 210 intoengagement with bearing 16. For example, arms 210 may include amodification to arms 212 and 213 that permits arms 212 and 213 todeflect to avoid interference with nut 11. In an example, arms 210 maybe pivotally mounted to base 400 or another portion of press mechanism44 to allow lateral movement of the arms such that the arms may engagebearing 16. Arms 210 may include projections 225, 226, respectively, forexample, arcuate projections adapted to engage the arcuate shape ofbearing 16 (e.g., an inner race thereof) as described previouslyrelative to extensions 212, 213 of co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,650,757,issued on Feb. 18, 2014, and titled “Methods for Preloading a Bearingand Aligning a Lock Nut”. Arcuate projections 225, 226 may be radiusedto provide the same curvature of bearing 16, for example, a radius ofbetween about 1¼ inches and about 3 inches. The shape of arms 210including projections 225, 226 may ensure that the compressive loadapplied by press mechanism 44 is transmitted to bearing 16 and not borneby nut 11. Minimizing or preventing contact between extensions 212, 213and nut 11 also permits nut 11 to be freely rotated without contact withextensions 212, 213.

Press mechanism 44 may include a wrench 230 having teeth 235 engageablewith teeth 511 of nut 11 to allow a rotation of nut 11 via a controllercontrolling a rotation of nut 230. Wrench 230 may surround collar 46 andbe extendable away from base 400 toward nut 11 and retractable in anopposite direction. Teeth 235 may engage teeth 511 when wrench 230 isextended to contact nut 11.

Although only two arms 212, 213 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,according to one aspect of the invention, two or more arms 212, 213 maybe mounted to, or otherwise extend from, base 400 of press mechanism 44.For example, three or more extensions arms may be provided, for example,uniformly spaced about base 400 about an axis coaxial to an axis ofshaft 14 and/or rod 40. In one aspect of the invention, arms 212, 213may include spring-loaded mountings to base 400 whereby arms 212, 213are biased into a position of engagement with race 15. Press mechanism44 may be any means that is configured to provide a compressive load(e.g., utilizing a nut) to outboard bearing 16 (e.g., an inner racethereof). Further, press mechanism 44 may include a load sensor or anymeans for monitoring the compressive load transferred to bearing 16. Forexample, the indication of the compressive load transferred by pressmechanism 44 may be provided mechanically, for example, by compressionsprings having a known spring constant, for example, coil springs ordisc springs, and a deflection indicator, for example, a dial indicator,as is known in the art.

In this aspect, the dial indicator may be mounted to detect and indicatethe compression of one or more springs positioned in press mechanism 44due to the advancement of nut 48, and the compression load calculatedfrom the deflection indicated and the known spring constant of thesprings used. This aspect of the invention may provide a reliable andrepeatable means for monitoring the preload provided to inner race 15 ofoutboard bearing 16. The load sensor may be wired to an appropriatecontroller or processor and display to, for example, provide a digitalreadout of the compressive load to the mechanic operating preload device20. The transmission of signals from the sensor may also be practicedwirelessly, for example, by means of an RF signal. This aspect of theinvention may also provide a reliable and repeatable means formonitoring the preload provided to bearing 16.

In another aspect of the invention, press mechanism 44 may include atleast one fluid, for example, a gas, such as air; or a liquid, such as,water, oil, or hydraulic fluid, the pressure of which can be detectedand monitored, for example, by means of a pressure gage, pressuresensor, or a mechanical indicator. In one aspect, the fluid pressure maycomprise the source of compressive load on bearing 16. In such anembodiment, the fluid may be retained in a cavity for example, adeformable cavity, such as a bladder or hose, for example, an airspring; or a cavity having rigid walls and at least one moveable wall,for example, as in a cylinder and piston. In one aspect, the deformablecavity or air spring may be made of molded rubber, somewhat like aninner tube.

When air is used as the fluid, the air may be provided by conventional“shop air” at a pressure of about 100 psig. The pressure of the fluid inthe deformable cavity may be monitored by means of sensor or pressuregage, for example, a pressure gauge mounted to a nozzle inserted thewall of the deformable or non-deformable cavity. In one aspect, amechanical indicator may be activated, for example, a lever deflectedwhen the desired fluid pressure in press mechanism 44 is reachedadvising the mechanic.

As discussed previously, press mechanism 44 and rod 40 thereof may beadapted to attach to exposed end 13 of spindle 14. Though this may beeffected by many conventional means, including welding and mechanicalfasteners, in the aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, rod 40 isattached to end 13 of spindle 14 by means of a collar 46. In the aspectshown, collar 46 is mounted to rod 40 by means of internal threads 47 incollar 46 that thread onto external threads 49 on rod 40. Collar 46 alsoincludes a second set of internal threads 45 that engage externalthreads 51 on spindle 14. In one aspect, only 2 or 3 external threads 51need be engaged by collar 46. According to one aspect, multiple collars46 having varying diameters may be provided to accommodate varyingdiameters of spindle 14. Each of these collars 46 may be adapted toengage external threads 49 on rod 40.

Rod 40, housing 42, collar 46, arms 50, housing 52, piston 54, andhousing 42 may be fabricated from any conventional structural metal, forexample, iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel,magnesium, brass, or bronze, among others.

In one aspect of the invention, preload apparatus 20 may be used toapply and monitor a preload to outboard bearing 16. In a typicalprocedure, a wheel (not shown) may be dismounted from hub assembly 10,for example, which was mounted to studs on hub 12, as exemplified bystud 100 in FIGS. 1-3. Nut 11 may be loosened or hand tightened prior tomounting apparatus 20, though any light load on nut 11 will typically berelieved with application of tension to spindle 14 by means of rod 40.

For example, a torque wrench and socket may be utilized to torque nut 11and seat the bearings. The nut may then be tightened to a “hand tight”position followed by loosening of the nut by backing it off about turn.Alternatively, such tightening and loosening may be done using servocontrolled wrench tools which perform such tasks in response to acommand by a user or which may be automatically performed in response toa set of instructions programmed and stored in the controller or asecond controller or computer storage coupled to the controller.

Apparatus 20 may then be mounted to hub assembly 10 by attaching rod 40to spindle 14 by means of collar 46. Arms 210 may then be automaticallyadvanced by press mechanism 44 such that the arms are brought intocontact with bearing 16 (e.g., an inner race thereof) as depicted inFIGS. 5-7 which a movement of arms 210 toward bearing 16 and around nut11. FIG. 7 shows a same position of arms 210 as FIG. 3. In one example,press mechanism may then apply 4000 lbs force to bearings.

Such force may be generated and transmitted by press mechanism 44 usingany of various mechanisms including those described in co-owned U.S.Pat. No. 8,316,530 relative to press mechanism 44. In one example, theloading of bearing 16 may be initiated by advancing, that, istightening, a nut (such as nut 48 described in the Patent '530), againsthousing 52 via bearing 62, for example, by means of arms 50. The buildupof pressure in cavity 56 as indicated by pressure indicator 60 may bemonitored by the mechanic. The nut may be tightened and loosenedmanually or by an electronically controlled servo wrench controlled by acontroller preprogrammed or operated in real time by a user, forexample.

Pressure is applied by press mechanism 44 until a target pressure isachieved. The hub assembly may be rotated at least once to provideproper seating of the rollers in bearing 16. Alternatively, the bearingscould be automatically rolled utilizing a separate bearing rollingmechanism not described herein.

A desired preload may then be provided (e.g., automatically controlledby the controller) by press mechanism 44 to the bearings. The controllermay cause a servo motor to actuate wrench tools (not shown) and torquethe nut (e.g., nut 11) to “finger tight” or a wrench 220 could becontrolled by a controller to provide such a preload. If endplay isdesired, a servo motor (e.g., coupled to wrench 220 or a separate servowrench) may back the nut off to a desired endplay setting. Uponcompletion of the preloading, apparatus 20 may be removed from wheel hubassembly 10 and, keeper 530 and retaining member 540 may be engaged(e.g., using tool 700) with retaining nut 11 and spindle 14 such thatkeeper teeth 520 engage teeth 511 of nut 11 and engaging member 534 ofkeeper 530 engage shaft slot 5 of spindle 14.

The preloading of the bearings as described above is advantageousrelative to endplate adjustment but was rarely recommended prior to thepresent invention due to the difficulty of creating and verifying acorrect preload site. A load sensor such as a pressure indicator orgauge (not shown) may be used along with the selective positioning ofretaining nut 11 on spindle 14 (e.g., using locating laser beamsproduced by locating optical sending units and markings 510; or wrenchcontrolled by a controller described in co-owned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/071,570, filed on Mar. 16, 2016 (Attorney Docket No.0545.105), provide for a repeatable correct and accurate preloadsetting.

In another example, press mechanism 44 may apply pressure by fluidpressure to provide the compressive load to bearing 16. In this aspectof the invention, the compressive force provided by the nut may bereplaced by fluid pressure provided to press mechanism 44. For example,as depicted in FIGS. 1-4, for example, press mechanism 44 includes ahousing 52 and a movable piston 54 mounted for axial movement in housing52. In this aspect of the invention, an internal cavity 56 is providedin housing 52. Internal cavity 56 is at least partially filled, forexample, substantially completely filled, with a fluid, for example, agas, air, oil, water, and the like, that produces a hydrostatic pressurewhen fluid pressure is provided to internal cavity 56 receiving piston54 via a pump (not shown), pressurized shop gas, or otherwise. Suchpressure may cause movement of piston 54 which may be mechanicallycoupled to arms 210 to provide the load to bearing 16. A reduction insuch pressure may cause a retraction of piston 54 and a reduction in theload.

In one aspect, the fluid pressure (e.g., to cavity 56 of housing 52 ofpress mechanism 44) may be provided by a conduit or hose. The hose maysupply fluid, for example, hydraulic fluid, from a pressurized supply,for example, a pump controlled by a controller. The fluid supplied tothe hose may vary from 500 to 3000 psig, for example.

Such a press mechanism applying pressure by fluid pressure may be usedto automatically regulate the compressive load on bearing 16, forexample, by regulating the pressure introduced to press mechanism 44through the hose. In one aspect, the invention may include an automaticcontroller, for example, a PID controller, personal computer, or PLCcontroller adapted to regulate the pressure in the hose. For example,the predetermined preload and the parameters of the bearing being loadedmay be entered into the controller and, after mounting a rod similar torod 40, housing 42 and a press mechanism to bearing 16 (e.g., an innerrace thereof), the controller may automatically ramp up the fluidpressure to provide the desired preload or to verify an existingpreload. This aspect of the invention may be suitable for productionline applications, among others.

In one aspect, the fluid provided by the hose may be provided by apressure increasing device, for example, a pressure intensifier, thatis, a device that converts one pressure to a higher pressure. Forexample, the pressure-increasing device may be provided with a pressuresupply of, for example, 100 psig (for instance, shop air) and increasedto, for example, 2000 psig hydraulic fluid, which is then supplied tothe hose. Other sources of high-pressure fluid may be provided accordingto aspects of the invention.

In an example, press mechanism 44 may include a switch 300 for use incontrolling the load on bearing 16. Switch 300 may be in fluidcommunication with cavity 56 and thereby a source of fluid (e.g., viathe hose described above) utilized to provide fluid pressure to applythe load to the bearing. Switch 300 may be coupled to a controller ormay include a controller therein to regulate the compressive load onbearing 16, for example, by regulating the pressure (e.g., hydraulic orair) introduced into cavity 56 to drive piston 54 as described above.

When the load and pressure are at a desired condition, nut 11 may betightened by hand or automatically as described above to “finger tight”.

Although aspects of the present invention were described above withrespect to their application to wheel hub assemblies, for example, truckwheel hub assemblies, it is understood that aspects of the presentinvention may be applied to any vehicle, machine, or component having atleast one bearing. Further, although press mechanism 44 is describedabove as applying a compressive load to an inner race of a bearing, suchload could be applied elsewhere to the bearing or wheel assembly 10 suchthat a frictional or other load on a retaining nut is reduced to allowrotation of a retaining nut. Such rotation may allow teeth of the nutand teeth of a keeper to be aligned with each other to allow engagementof a shaft engaging portion of the keeper with a shaft, (e.g., a shaftslot thereof) to inhibit rotation of the nut relative to the shaft.

While several aspects of the present invention have been described anddepicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled inthe art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intendedby the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A tool for use in preloading a bearing, comprising: a plurality ofarms pivotable relative to each other; a first arm of said plurality ofarms comprising a first pin extending thereform and configured to engagea first opening of a plurality of openings in a retaining ring; a secondarm of said plurality of arms comprising a second pin extendingthereform and configured to engage a second opening of said plurality ofopenings in the retaining ring; a resilient member biasing saidplurality of arms away from each other; said first arm of said pluralityof arms comprising a cavity; said second arm of said plurality of armsreceived in said cavity such that an extending portion of said secondarm extends outside said cavity and said second arm is movable in saidcavity; and a first end of said second arm pivotally connected to saidfirst arm at a first end of said cavity, said second arm extending fromsaid first end of said cavity within said cavity to a second end of saidcavity, said second pin of said second arm extending out of an openingof said cavity at an end of said first arm.
 2. The tool of claim 1further comprising a pivot pin connecting said first arm and said secondarm at said first end of said cavity, said pivot pin located at oppositeends of said first arm and said second arm relative to said second pinand said first pin, said pivot pin located in said cavity.
 3. The toolof claim 1 wherein said cavity is bounded by inner surfaces of saidfirst arm.
 4. A lock nut system comprising: a lock nut engaged on ashaft at a desired preload of a bearing mounted on the shaft; a keeperengageable with said nut to inhibit movement of said keeper relative tosaid nut; said keeper having a radially inner side configured to engagethe shaft to inhibit rotational movement of said nut relative to theshaft when said keeper engages said nut and said radially inner sideengages the shaft; a keeper retaining member secured to said keeper,said retaining member engageable with said nut to hold said keeperaxially such that said keeper is engaged with said nut; a retainingmember tool having a plurality of arms pivotable relative to each other;a pin extending from each arm of said plurality of arms, said pinconfigured to engage an opening of a plurality of openings in saidretaining member; a first arm of said plurality of arms comprising acavity; a second arm of said plurality of arms received in said cavitysuch that an extending portion of said second arm extends outside saidcavity and said second arm is movable in said cavity.
 5. The system ofclaim 4 wherein said tool comprises a resilient member located in saidcavity and biasing the plurality of arms away from each other.
 6. Thesystem of claim 4 wherein said second arm comprises a first endpivotally connected to said first arm at a first end of said cavity,said second arm extending from said first end of said cavity within saidcavity to a second end of said cavity, said pin of said second armextending out of an opening of said cavity at an end of said first arm.